India: Kolhapur rose exports bloomed for Valentine

Kolhapur-based floriculturists have exported close to two million roses to various parts of the world, including one million red roses. The domestic markets for the floriculturists in the district are Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Aurangabad.

Ramesh Patil, chief executive officer, Shrivardhan Biotech from Kolhapur district, told TOI that they had received special demand for red roses from four countries-Australia, UK, Greece and Japan.

"This year, we have exported a total of 12 lakh [= 1,200,000] roses to markets abroad. Another three lakh [= 300,000] roses were sent to markets across the country. The demand from the domestic market, much to our surprise, has seen a sharp decline. At the same time, the demand in international markets has seen a sharp rise," he added.

The firm has reported a marginal rise over the exports recorded last year. In February 2015, the firm sent out about 1 million roses to foreign shores.

Ganpatrao Patil of Shrivardhan Biotech, who has converted 103 acres into a polyhouse exclusively for roses, said Europe is their biggest market. "This year, we have restricted our production of red roses to just the Big B variety for its long stem and big size," he said.

Read more at the Times of India